Wednesday, April 22, 2026

D4vd Charged Over Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Killing

Seven months after the body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was discovered in d4vd’s car, prosecutors in Los Angeles have charged the singer with first-degree murder, mutilation of human remains, and sexually abusing a child.

Many reporters have questioned why it took so long for the charges to be filed. Since the body was found, state authorities have held a grand jury meeting, interviewed d4vd’s family and friends, and kept investigation details private. Throughout this time, investigators faced criticism for not making an arrest sooner, despite national attention on the case.

d4vd, who has pleaded not guilty, will have his lawyers defend him, claiming he did not kill Celeste. Following the criticisms of the lengthy investigation, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated that the aim was to ensure justice, which often requires patience.

Analysts suggest several factors prolonged the investigation, such as the condition of the evidence, the sensitive nature of the charges involving a minor, and difficulties in gathering witness statements. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani expressed that the case has created tension in LA, noting that the police’s handling of it has raised public concern.

The case is complex, and prosecutors must carefully build their arguments as they prepare for court.

Test Your Understanding

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Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON

Accent

prosecutors/ˈprɑsɪˌkjutərz/noun
lawyers who bring criminal cases to court

charged/tʃɑrdʒd/verb
officially accused someone of committing a crime

mutilation/ˌmjuːtɪˈleɪʃən/noun
serious damage or removal of body parts

investigation/ɪnˌvɛstəˈɡeɪʃən/noun
careful search to find facts or information

evidence/ˈɛvədəns/noun
things that show if something is true

witness/ˈwɪtnəs/noun
person who saw or heard an event

How much do you know?

What charges have been filed against d4vd?
First-degree murder
Manslaughter
Kidnapping
Robbery
How long after Celeste's body was discovered were charges filed?
Three months
Five months
Seven months
One year
Who is the Los Angeles Police Chief mentioned in the case?
Jim McDonnell
Robert Johnson
Michael Smith
Anna Taylor
What plea has d4vd entered regarding the charges?
Guilty
Not guilty
No contest
Innocent
What is one reason analysts believe prolonged the investigation?
The location of the crime
Condition of the evidence
Number of witnesses
The weather
What sensitive topic does the case involve?
Drug trafficking
Human trafficking
Crime against a minor
Theft
d4vd has been charged with assault.
The investigation quickly led to d4vd’s arrest.
Many reporters have praised the speed of the investigation.
The charges against d4vd include mutilation of human remains.
Neama Rahmani is a former federal prosecutor involved in public concern regarding the case.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated that the investigation required little patience.
d4vd is charged with first-degree murder, mutilation of human remains, and sexually abusing a .
The investigation lasted months before charges were filed.
The body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez was discovered in ’s car.
Los Angeles Police faced criticism for not making an sooner.
Neama Rahmani remarked that the case has created in LA.
The police aimed to ensure , requiring patience.
This question is required

Test Your Understanding

Start Quiz
Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON
Accent
prosecutors/ˈprɑsɪˌkjutərz/noun
lawyers who bring criminal cases to court
charged/tʃɑrdʒd/verb
officially accused someone of committing a crime
mutilation/ˌmjuːtɪˈleɪʃən/noun
serious damage or removal of body parts
investigation/ɪnˌvɛstəˈɡeɪʃən/noun
careful search to find facts or information
evidence/ˈɛvədəns/noun
things that show if something is true
witness/ˈwɪtnəs/noun
person who saw or heard an event

How much do you know?

What charges have been filed against d4vd?
First-degree murder
Manslaughter
Kidnapping
Robbery
How long after Celeste's body was discovered were charges filed?
Three months
Five months
Seven months
One year
Who is the Los Angeles Police Chief mentioned in the case?
Jim McDonnell
Robert Johnson
Michael Smith
Anna Taylor
What plea has d4vd entered regarding the charges?
Guilty
Not guilty
No contest
Innocent
What is one reason analysts believe prolonged the investigation?
The location of the crime
Condition of the evidence
Number of witnesses
The weather
What sensitive topic does the case involve?
Drug trafficking
Human trafficking
Crime against a minor
Theft
d4vd has been charged with assault.
The investigation quickly led to d4vd’s arrest.
Many reporters have praised the speed of the investigation.
The charges against d4vd include mutilation of human remains.
Neama Rahmani is a former federal prosecutor involved in public concern regarding the case.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated that the investigation required little patience.
d4vd is charged with first-degree murder, mutilation of human remains, and sexually abusing a .
The investigation lasted months before charges were filed.
The body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez was discovered in ’s car.
Los Angeles Police faced criticism for not making an sooner.
Neama Rahmani remarked that the case has created in LA.
The police aimed to ensure , requiring patience.
This question is required

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